Free Santa Amigurumi Crochet Pattern

Get into the Christmas spirit by crocheting this no-sew Santa Claus! This Santa crochet pattern stands 14 inches tall when made with worsted-weight yarn and a 3.5mm hook.

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Santa Claus Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Free

The inspiration to publish this crochet Santa pattern came from an odd place.

But before I tell you what it was, I want to contextualize it with a story I once heard.

The professor of a pottery class split his students into two groups: one group would be graded on the quantity of pots they could produce, and the other group would be graded on the quality of one single pot.

Contrary to what you might think, the students who produced pots en masse also ended up with pots of the best quality; They were constantly practicing and honing their craft throughout the semester.

Meanwhile, the students getting graded on their ability to produce a single perfect pot were frozen by fear and had a hard time even starting.

Santa Claus Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Free

Ok, but what does that have to do with my Santa Claus crochet pattern?

I believe the Lesson of the Pots is the same idea behind NaNoWriMo. For those unfamiliar, NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month. It is a challenge to write a 50,000 word rough draft of a novel during the month of November.

Note that the challenge is not to write a perfectly polished piece of literature, but simply to write 50,000 words within the timeframe.

I’ve always loved the idea of NaNoWriMo, but I’ve never participated because I have zero aspirations to write a novel. 😂

This year, I thought I’d apply the same concept to crochet pattern writing (NaPaWriMo?).

I told myself I wanted to publish just one more pattern this year. It didn’t have to be the best pattern I’ve ever written, or have all the bells and whistles; I simply challenged myself to publish one more pattern by the end of November.

I took a poll in my Facebook Group, Crochet with Jess Huff, on what Christmas patterns you guys would most like to see. Santa was the winner!

Santa Claus Amigurumi Crochet Pattern Free

Here we are just two weeks later, and my Santa pattern is ready to go in the (Saint) Nick of time for Christmas.

The idea of publishing a crochet pattern can be overwhelming and paralyzing. Especially one of the caliber I’ve come to expect from myself. It’s something I can easily procrastinate on for months.

“NaPaWriMo” was a great exercise in just starting, and I’m so glad I did! Sometimes starting is the hardest part. Once I got going, I was surprised at how easily the pattern came together.

I hope this free Santa amigurumi pattern adds lots of joy to your Christmas season!🎄✨


Video Tutorials:

Note: The videos above use my llama and unicorn patterns as examples, but the same techniques apply to this pattern.

You do not need to use stitch markers to mark out where to attach the legs and arms as shown in the videos, because this pattern states in which exact stitches to add them. However, either method will work.

Here is a list of additional tutorials that apply to this pattern:

No-Sew Santa Claus

Height: 14 inches standing
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Terms: US 🇺🇸
Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle… Whatever you call him, this crocheted Santa will make your Christmas season merry and bright.

Notes

Video Tutorials
I’ve created several video tutorials to guide you through the tricky parts of making this Santa. I’ve referenced those videos throughout the pattern.
You can view the links to all the video tutorials on the pattern web page: jhuff.co/santa

Abbreviations
  • ch – chain
  • slst – slip stitch
  • sc – single crochet
  • inc – complete two single crochets within the same stitch
  • dec – combine two stitches into one with an invisible decrease
  • BLO – crochet in the back loop only
  • *sc x* – repeat the instructions between asterisks(*) the indicated number of times.
  • (sc x) – attach a body part while completing the stitches inside parentheses as instructed by the pattern.

General Instructions
  • This pattern is worked in one continuous spiral.
  • Use a stitch marker to keep track of where one round ends and the next begins. I prefer to place my stitch marker in the last stitch of the round.
  • Unless the pattern indicates otherwise, start the next round with the same color the previous round ended with.

Recommended Sequence
Here are the steps to create your Santa, in order:
  1. Crochet the Legs
  2. Add Trim to Pants
  3. Crochet the Arms
  4. Add Trim to Sleeves
  5. Crochet the Dowel
  6. Crochet the Nose
  7. Crochet the Body & Head
  8. Add Blush to Cheeks & Nose (optional)
  9. Add Trim to Bottom of Coat
  10. Crochet Santa’s Hat
  11. Add Trim to Santa’s Hat
  12. Crochet Santa’s Beard
  13. Crochet Santa’s Mustache
  14. Crochet Santa’s Hair
  15. Add Santa’s Belt Buckle

 
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 1
Figure 1: Shows Body & Head crocheted to the end of round 41 with the dowel inserted into the body and neck.
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 2
Figure 2: Shows Body & Head crocheted to the end of round 44 with 30 stitches marked for Santa’s Beard.
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 3
Figure 3: Shows Body & Head crocheted to the end of round 45 with 11 stitches marked for Santa’s Mustache.
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 4
Figure 4: Shows Body & Head crocheted to the end of round 46 with 5 stitches marked for Santa’s Nose.
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 5
Figure 5: Shows Body & Head crocheted to the end of round 49 with eye markers inserted 11 stitches apart between rounds 48 & 49.
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 6
Figure 6: Shows Body & Head (viewed from the back of the head) crocheted to the end of round 51 with 31 stitches marked for Santa’s Hair.
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 7
Figure 7: Shows Body & Head crocheted to the end of round 53, leaving a full round of exposed front loops for adding Santa’s Hat.
Santa Free Amigurumi Crochet Pattern: Figure 8
Figure 8: Shows Body & Head piece fully completed and closed with an Ultimate Finish.
 

Instructions

Legs (make 2)


  • With black yarn and a 3.5mm hook, do a Chain 3 Start

    01. ch 3, inc in 2nd ch from hook, sc 5 in the last ch. Continue on the other side of the chain base, sc 3 in the last ch [10]
    02. inc, sc 2, *inc* 3 times, sc 2, *inc* 2 times [16]
    03. inc, sc 4, *inc* 2 times, sc, inc, sc 4, *inc* 2 times, sc [22]
    04. inc, sc 6, *inc, sc* 2 times, inc, sc 6, *inc, sc* 2 times [28]
    05. inc, sc 8, inc, sc 2, inc, sc, inc, sc 8, inc, sc 2, inc, sc [34]
    06 – 07. sc in each st around [34]
    08. sc 28, *dec* 3 times [31]
    09. *dec* 3 times, sc 21, *dec* 2 times [26]
    10. *dec* 2 times, sc 22 [24]
    11. sc 12, switch to red yarn: sc 12 [24]
    12. sc 8, dec, sc 14 [23]
    13. sc 12, 4.5mm hook: sc 11 [23]

    Leaving Exposed Front Loops for Pants Trim: In rounds 14 & 15, we will crochet into the back loop only where instructed. At a later step, we will crochet into the exposed front loops to create the trim at the bottom of the pant legs.

    14. 4.5mm hook: sc 12, 3.5mm hook BLO: sc 9, dec [22]
    15. 3.5mm hook BLO: sc 12, 3.5mm hook both loops (for remainder of piece): sc 10 [22]
    16. sc 10, dec, sc 10 [21]
    17. sc in each st around [21]
    18. sc 19, dec [20]
    19. sc in each st around [20]
    20. sc 9, dec, sc 9 [19]
    21. sc 17, dec [18]
    22. *sc 7, dec* 2 times [16]
    23. *sc 2, dec* 4 times [12]

    Fasten off and leave a 18-inch tail. Stuff the leg. Pinch the final round together and slip stitch closed, then hide the tail inside the work. Each leg will be attached while crocheting the body at a later step.

Trim on Pants (add to both legs)


  • Tip: To ensure the stitches of your trim will face right-side-out, insert your hook top-to-bottom through each exposed loop when working a stitch. You may find it easiest to hold the leg upside down.

    With white yarn and a 4.5mm hook:

    01. sc in each of the exposed front loops of rounds 14 & 15 of the leg [23]
    02 – 03. sc in each st around [23]

    Fasten off and create an Invisible Finish. Hide the yarn tails inside the work.

Arms (make 2)


  • With skin tone yarn and a 3.5mm hook, create a magic ring:

    01. sc 6 into the magic ring [6]
    02. inc in each st around [12]
    03. *sc, inc* 6 times [18]
    04. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc [24]
    05 – 06. sc in each st around [24]
    07. sc 2, dec, sc 16, dec, sc 2 [22]
    08. sc, dec, sc 16, dec, sc [20]
    09. sc 12, switch to red yarn: sc 8 [20]
    10. sc 12, 4.5mm hook: sc 2, dec, sc 4 [19]

    Leaving Exposed Front Loops for Sleeves Trim: In rounds 11 & 12, we will crochet into the back loop only where instructed. At a later step, we well crochet into the exposed front loops to create the trim on the sleeves.

    11. 4.5 mm hook: sc 12, 3.5mm hook BLO: sc 7 [19]
    12. 3.5mm hook BLO: sc 12, 3.5mm hook booth loops (for remainder of piece): sc 5, dec [18]
    13. sc in each st around [18]
    14. sc 8, dec, sc 8 [17]
    15. sc in each st around [17]
    16. sc 15, dec [16]
    17. sc in each st around [16]
    18. sc 7, dec, sc 7 [15]
    19. sc in each st around [15]
    20. sc 13, dec [14]
    21. sc in each st around [14]
    22. sc 6, dec, sc 6 [13]
    23. sc in each st around [13]
    24. sc 11, dec [12]
    25 – 26. sc in each st around [12]

    After finishing round 26, sc in the next 3 stitches. The "hand" is meant to flare out slightly, and the 3 additional stitches center the flare on the arm.

    Fasten off and leave a 18-inch tail. Stuff the hands firmly, and gradually add less stuffing as you move up the arm. There should be almost no stuffing at the shoulder.

    Pinch the final round together and slip stitch closed, then hide the tail inside the work. Each arm will be attached while crocheting the body at a later step.

Trim on Sleeves (add to both arms)


  • Tip: To ensure the stitches of your trim will face right-side-out, insert your hook top-to-bottom through each exposed loop when working a stitch. You may find it easiest to hold the arm upside down.

    With white yarn and a 4.5mm hook:

    01. sc in each of the exposed front loops of rounds 11 & 12 of the arm [19]
    02 – 03. sc in each st around [19]

    Fasten off and create an Invisible Finish. Hide the yarn tails inside the work.

Dowel (will support neck & head)


  • With skin tone yarn and a 3.5mm hook, create a magic ring:

    01. sc 6 into the magic ring [6]
    02. inc in each st around [12]
    03. *sc 3, inc* 3 times [15]
    04 – 38. sc in each st around [15]
    39. *sc 3, dec* 3 times [12]
    40. *dec* 6 times [6]

    Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch yarn tail. Close with an Ultimate Finish, then hide the tail inside the work.

Nose


  • With skin tone yarn and a 3.5mm hook, create a magic ring:

    01. sc 6 into the magic ring [6]
    02. inc in each st around [12]
    03. *dec, sc 4* 2 times [10]

    Fasten off and leave a 8-inch tail. Do not stuff. Pinch the final round together and slip stitch closed, then hide the tail inside the work. The nose will be attached while crocheting the head at a later step.

Body & Head


  • The body and head will be crocheted together as one piece. We'll start at the bum and finish at the top of the head.

    With red yarn and a 3.5mm hook, create a magic ring:

    01. sc 6 into the magic ring [6]
    02. inc in each st around [12]
    03. *sc, inc* 6 times [18]
    04. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc [24]
    05. *sc 3, inc* 6 times [30]
    06. sc 2, inc, *sc 4, inc* 5 times, sc 2 [36]

    Attaching the Legs: Attach the legs where instructed while crocheting the next round. To view a video tutorial, click the "Attach Legs" image thumbnail on the pattern web page.

    07. attach the first leg in the next six stitches: (sc 5, inc), sc 5, inc, attach the second leg in the next six stitches: (sc 5, inc), *sc 5, inc* 3 times [42]

    08. sc 3, inc, *sc 6, inc* 5 times, sc 3 [48]
    09. *sc 7, inc* 6 times [54]
    10. sc 4, inc, *sc 8, inc* 3 times, sc 7, 4.5mm hook: sc, inc, sc 8, inc, sc 4 [60]

    Leaving Exposed Front Loops for Coat Trim: In rounds 11 & 12, we will crochet into the back loop only where instructed. At a later step, we will crochet into the exposed front loops to create the trim at the bottom of the coat.

    11. 4.5mm hook: sc 43, 3.5mm hook BLO: sc 17 [60]
    12. 3.5mm hook BLO: sc 43, 3.5mm hook both loops (for remainder of piece): sc 17 [60]
    13. sc 43, switch to black yarn: sc 17 [60]
    14 – 16. sc in each st around [60]
    17. sc 43, switch to red yarn: sc 17 [60]
    18. sc 4, dec, *sc 8, dec* 5 times, sc 4 [54]
    19. sc in each st around [54]
    20. *sc 7, dec* 6 times [48]
    21. sc in each st around [48]
    22. sc 3, dec, *sc 6, dec* 5 times, sc 3 [42]
    23 – 24. sc in each st around [42]
    25. *sc 5, dec* 6 times [36]
    26 – 27. sc in each st around [36]
    28. sc 2, dec, *sc 4, dec* 5 times, sc 2 [30]
    29. sc in each st around [30]

    Attaching the Arms: Attach the arms where instructed while crocheting the next round. To view a video tutorial, click the "Attach Arms" image thumbnail on the pattern web page.

    30. attach the first arm in the next six stitches: (sc 6), sc 9, attach the second arm in the next six stitches: (sc 6), sc 9 [30]

    At the end of round 30, the arms should be centered above the legs. If your arms appear off center, redo the round and adjust the placement of the arms as necessary.

    Stuff the body.

    31. *sc 3, dec* 6 times [24]
    32. sc, dec, *sc 2, dec* 4 times, sc 2, switch to skin tone yarn: dec, sc [18]
    33 – 34. sc in each st around [18]
    35. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc [24]
    36. *sc 3, inc* 6 times [30]
    37. sc 2, inc, *sc 4, inc* 5 times, sc 2 [36]
    38. *sc 5, inc* 6 times [42]
    39. sc 3, inc, *sc 6, inc* 5 times, sc 3 [48]
    40. *sc 7, inc* 6 times [54]
    41. sc 4, inc, *sc 8, inc* 5 times, sc 4 [60]

    Inserting the Dowel: Reach down into the body and make a hole in the center of the stuffing to accommodate the dowel.

    Then insert the dowel down into the body through the neck, with the final few inches of the dowel sticking out the top of the neck (see Figure 1).

    42 – 44. sc in each st around [60]

    Marking Stitches for the Beard: At the end of round 44, mark off 30 stitches centered on the front of the head. As we crochet the next round, we’ll work into the back loop only of the marked stitches (see Figure 2).

    We’ll add Santa’s beard by crocheting into the exposed front loops of round 45 at a later step.

    45. sc in each st around, working into the back loop only of the 30 marked stitches [60]

    Marking Stitches for the Mustache: At the end of round 45, mark off 11 stitches centered on the front of the head. As we crochet the next round, we’ll work into the back loop only of the marked stitches (see Figure 3).

    We’ll add Santa’s mustache by crocheting into the exposed front loops of round 46 at a later step.

    46. sc in each st around, working into the back loop only of the 11 marked stitches [60]

    Marking Stitches for the Nose: At the end of round 46, mark off 5 stitches centered on the front of the head. As we crochet the next round, we’ll attach the nose in the 5 marked stitches (see Figure 4).

    47. sc in each st around, attaching the nose in the 5 marked stitches [60]
    48 – 49. sc in each st around [60]

    Marking Stitches for the Eyes: Insert two strands of yarn 11 stitches apart between rounds 48 & 49. These markers will show you where to place your safety eyes at a later step (see Figure 5).

    50. sc in each st around [60]
    51. sc 4, dec, *sc 8, dec* 5 times, sc 4 [54]

    Marking Stitches for Santa’s Hair: At the end of round 51, mark off 31 stitches centered on the back of the head. As we crochet the next round, we’ll work into the back loop only of the marked stitches (see Figure 6).

    We’ll add Santa’s hair by crocheting into the exposed front loops of round 52 at a later step.

    52. *sc 7, dec* 6 times, working into the back loop only of the 31 marked stitches [48]

    Leaving Exposed Front Loops for Santa’s Hat: In round 53, we will crochet into the back loop only. At a later step, we will crochet into the exposed front loops to create Santa’s hat (see Figure 7).

    53. BLO: sc 3, dec, *sc 6, dec* 5 times, sc 3 [42]
    54. Both loops (for remainder of piece): *sc 5, dec* 6 times [36]
    55. sc 2, dec, *sc 4, dec* 5 times, sc 2 [30]

    Stuff head ¾ full and create indents for the eyes. Insert your safety eyes and secure the backings. To view a video tutorial, click the "Indent Eyes" image thumbnail on the pattern web page.

    56. *sc 3, dec* 6 times [24]
    57. sc, dec, *sc 2, dec* 5 times, sc [18]

    Finish stuffing.

    58. *sc, dec* 6 times [12]
    59. *dec* 6 times [6]

    Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch yarn tail. Close with an Ultimate Finish, then hide the tail inside the work (see Figure 8).

    Optional: Add a rosy nose & cheeks using powdered blush makeup and a regular makeup brush. I recommend doing this before adding the facial hair.

Trim on Bottom of Coat


  • Tip: To ensure the stitches of your trim will face right-side-out, insert your hook top-to-bottom through each exposed loop when working a stitch. You may find it easiest to hold Santa upside down.

    With white yarn and a 4.5mm hook:

    01. sc in each of the exposed front loops of rounds 11 & 12 of the body [60]
    02 – 03. sc in each st around [60]

    Fasten off and create an Invisible Finish. Hide the yarn tails inside the work.

Santa's Hat


  • With red yarn and a 3.5mm hook:

    01. sc in each of the exposed front loops from round 53 of the head (the upper round of BLO) [48]

    Leaving Exposed Front Loops for the Hat Trim: In round 2, we will crochet into the back loop only. At a later step, we will crochet into the exposed front loops to create the trim on the hat.

    02. BLO: sc in each st around [48]
    03. Both loops (for remainder of piece): sc 46, dec [47]
    04. sc 5, dec, sc 40 [46]
    05. sc 10, dec, sc 34 [45]
    06. sc 15, dec, sc 28 [44]
    07. sc 20, dec, sc 22 [43]
    08. sc 25, dec, sc 16 [42]
    09. sc 30, dec, sc 10 [41]
    10. sc 35, dec, sc 4 [40]
    11. sc 38, dec [39]
    12. sc 5, dec, sc 32 [38]
    13. sc 10, dec, sc 26 [37]
    14. sc 15, dec, sc 20 [36]
    15. sc 20, dec, sc 14 [35]
    16. sc 25, dec, sc 8 [34]
    17. sc 30, dec, sc 2 [33]
    18. sc 31, dec [32]
    19. sc 5, dec, sc 25 [31]
    20. sc 10, dec, sc 19 [30]
    21. *sc 13, dec* 2 times [28]
    22. sc 6, dec, sc 12, dec, sc 6 [26]
    23. *sc 11, dec* 2 times [24]
    24. sc 5, dec, sc 10, dec, sc 5 [22]
    25. sc 20, dec [21]
    26. sc 8, dec, sc 9, dec [19]
    27. sc 17, dec [18]
    28. *sc 7, dec* 2 times [16]
    29. sc 14, dec [15]
    30. sc 5, dec, sc 6, dec [13]
    31. sc 11, dec [12]
    32. *sc 4, dec* 2 times [10]
    33. sc 8, dec [9]
    34. sc 2, dec, sc 3, dec [7]
    35. sc 5, dec [6]

    Do not stuff the hat.

    36. switch to white yarn: inc in each st around [12]
    37. *sc, inc* 6 times [18]
    38. sc, inc, *sc 2, inc* 5 times, sc [24]
    39 – 41. sc in each st around [24]
    42. sc, dec, *sc 2, dec* 5 times, sc [18]
    43. *sc, dec* 6 times [12]

    Stuff the white ball.

    44. *dec* 6 times [6]

    Fasten off, leaving an 8-inch yarn tail. Close with an Ultimate Finish, then hide the tail inside the work.

Trim on Hat


  • Tip: To ensure the stitches of your trim will face right-side-out, insert your hook top-to-bottom through each exposed loop when working a stitch. You may find it easiest to hold Santa upside down.

    The trim will be worked into the exposed front loops from round 2 of the hat.

    With white yarn and a 4.5mm hook:

    01. *sc 7, inc* 6 times [54]
    02. sc 4, inc, *sc 8, inc* 5 times, sc 4 [60]
    03. *sc 9, inc* 6 times [66]
    04. sc in each st around [66]

    Fasten off and create an Invisible Finish. Hide the yarn tails inside the work.

Santa's Beard


  • Note: The number at the beginning of each line in a pattern usually corresponds with an entire round, but in this case it corresponds with a single stitch from round 45 of the Body & Head. There are 30 exposed front loops in that round that we'll be working into.

    With white yarn, create a slip knot on your 3.5mm hook, leaving a 6-inch yarn tail:

    01. slst in the first front loop, ch 20, then slst again in the same loop [20]
    02. slst in the next front loop, ch 22, then slst again in the same loop [22]
    03. slst in the next front loop, ch 24, then slst again in the same loop [24]
    04. slst in the next front loop, ch 26, then slst again in the same loop [26]
    05. slst in the next front loop, ch 28, then slst again in the same loop [28]
    06. slst in the next front loop, ch 30, then slst again in the same loop [30]
    07. slst in the next front loop, ch 32, then slst again in the same loop [32]
    08. slst in the next front loop, ch 34, then slst again in the same loop [34]
    09 – 22. slst in the next front loop, ch 36, then slst again in the same loop [36]
    23. slst in the next front loop, ch 34, then slst again in the same loop [34]
    24. slst in the next front loop, ch 32, then slst again in the same loop [32]
    25. slst in the next front loop, ch 30, then slst again in the same loop [30]
    26. slst in the next front loop, ch 28, then slst again in the same loop [28]
    27. slst in the next front loop, ch 26, then slst again in the same loop [26]
    28. slst in the next front loop, ch 24, then slst again in the same loop [24]
    29. slst in the next front loop, ch 22, then slst again in the same loop [22]
    30. slst in the next front loop, ch 20, then slst again in the same loop [20]

    Fasten off and hide the beginning and ending yarn tails inside the work.

Santa's Mustache


  • Note: The number at the beginning of each line corresponds with a single stitch from round 46 of the Body & Head. There are 11 exposed front loops in that round that we'll be working into.

    With white yarn, create a slip knot on your 3.5mm hook, leaving a 6-inch yarn tail:

    01. slst in the first front loop, ch 10, then slst again in the same loop [10]
    02 – 11. slst in the next front loop, ch 10, then slst again in the same loop [10]

    Fasten off and hide the beginning and ending yarn tails inside the work.

Santa's Hair


  • Note: The number at the beginning of each line below corresponds with a single stitch from round 52 of the Body & Head. There are 31 exposed front loops in that round that we'll be working into.

    With white yarn, create a slip knot on your 3.5mm hook, leaving a 6-inch yarn tail:

    01. slst in the first front loop, ch 36, then slst again in the same loop [36]
    02 – 31. slst in the next front loop, ch 36, then slst again in the same loop [36]

    Fasten off and hide the beginning and ending yarn tails inside the work.

Santa's Belt Buckle


  • I freehanded a rectangle for the belt buckle using gold yarn, a 3.5mm hook, and a technique called surface crochet. To view a video tutorial, see "How to Surface Crochet" on the pattern web page.

    I ended up with 10 slip stitches across the top and bottom, and 5 slip stitches on each side.

    If you're not comfortable with this technique, you can embroider the buckle, crochet a simple circle or oval and sew it on, etc.

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